Carlisle United remain on the hunt for new faces - so could any of these players from the Premier League be a good option on loan?

Paul Simpson only has one natural central defender in his first team squad, and he has previously spoken of adding more energy to his midfield.

Here are seven players from Premier League clubs that could be loaned to the Blues:

Charlie Wiggett

The 19-year-old has been a firm fixture at the centre of Newcastle United u23’s defence, starting in 22 of the 26 games in the Premier League 2 – Division 2 campaign.

Wiggett, born in Reading, made 21 appearances for Chelsea in the Premier League u18 2020/21 season, with only four centre backs playing more minutes.

This season on Tyneside, he scored six times and assisted one. He has also made appearances at both left and right back.

Jack Spong

The left-footed centre midfielder was the record appearance maker for Brighton u23’s last season, with only six players across both divisions playing more minutes than the 20-year-old.

Spong is a creative player who can operate effectively in both defensive midfield and centre midfield, giving Simpson the option to utilise him across different areas if he is to continue playing the 3-5-2 that has been effective since his arrival.

At the club since 2017, Spong has made over 100 appearances for the Seagulls and added five goals to his tally this season; including a free kick against Tottenham Hotspur u23s which found its way into the top corner.

Luke Cundle

Another midfield option, the 20-year-old Wolves player has made four Premier League appearances this season, including 84 mins in a 2-0 win over Spurs.

Playing primarily in defensive midfield, Cundle has also played as both an attacking and centre midfielder this season. He made one appearance as a centre-forward, scoring twice in a 4-2 win over Newcastle United u23s.

Wolves boss Bruno Lage has recently awarded Cundle with a new contract, tying him to the club until 2026.

Justin Hubner

Wolves have another player that may be of use to Simpson in the 18-year-old centre back, who has appeared seven times for Netherlands u19s.

Hubner started the season playing for Wolves u18s, but impressed under-23 chief Steve Davis and was progressed to the next age group.

He integrated successfully into the u23s, making 12 appearances and started both games in Wolves’ winning play-off side.

Tom Clayton

The captain of Liverpool’s u23 side, the left footed centre back can also play in central midfield, making seven of his 25 appearances there last season and six as a defensive midfielder.

Clayton has made 99 appearances across Liverpool’s u18, u19 and u23 squads, with 57 of those coming as a centre back.

The versatile defender has been at the club since joining at the u9 level, and signed an extended contract with the club in April 2021.

CJ Egan-Riley

The 19-year-old centre back has been at Manchester City for over a decade, and has been rewarded with three first team appearances, including in the goalless draw against Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League.

Egan-Riley has played for England at all age groups from u15 to u19, four of those coming at u19 level. In the league, he started 19 of the 26 Premier League 2 games this season as the u23s won the Premier League 2 by six points with the best defensive record in the league.

His versatility is also a valuable asset, he made 13 appearances at right-back last season.

Oliver Hammond

Premier League newcomers, Nottingham Forest, have had the 19-year-old centre midfielder since he was eight years old, and he earned a professional contract with the club in March last year.

He made his first-team debut against Wolves in the Carabao Cup, playing on the right side of the midfield, but has played mainly as a centre midfielder for the u23s; making five appearances as a defensive midfielder.

Hammond scored seven times for Forest u23s in 2021/22, six of those coming in the first eight of his 21 appearances last season.

By Luke Duden